Motorsports’ FIA governing body recently opened the tender process for the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula One’s 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons.
When the tender process was last opened in 2018, Pirelli found itself as the main option for the sport given little interest from rival companies.
“The tender will require potential suppliers to supply an analysis of the environmental impact of the tyres used in Formula 1, and the successful bid will need to demonstrate best practice and innovation when considering the complete life cycle of the tyres,” the FIA stated.
Pirelli is currently the sole tyre supplier to the sport, having entered Formula One in 2011 and renewed its deal in 2018, which lasts until the end of 2024.
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“Obviously the decision is not in our hands,” Pirelli’s F1 boss Mario Isola told GrandPX, “but we are happy with our presence in Formula 1 and we want to continue.”
So far, Pirelli is the first and only tyre manufacturer to have openly expressed interest in supplying Formula One, Formula Two and Formula Three beyond 2024.
“The framework described by the FIA is closely aligned to Pirelli’s motorsport strategy and so is of great interest, with the Italian company having been Global Tyre Partner to the sport for more than a decade, since 2011,” Pirelli announced.
“A definitive decision about Pirelli’s participation in the selection process will naturally be taken after a detailed examination of the FIA’s document,” the company continued.
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Pirelli could face competition from other tyre manufacturers who are involved in supplying single-seater racing competitions and increasingly focused on offering sustainable solutions.
Hankook replaced Michelin as the supplier for Formula-E at the start of the current season.
Firestone has a long-term partnership with IndyCar, while Yokohama provides tyres for Super Formula.